CZ-USA CZ 457 Varmint, Bolt Action, .22LR, 20.5″ Heavy Barrel, 5+1

The Tennessee landscape—from the cedar glades and limestone bluffs of the Highland Rim to the managed woodlots of the Cumberland Plateau—demands a rimfire rifle that can deliver consistent accuracy across varying distances and conditions. Whether you are dialing in a zero at a local range like Stones River or Oklahoma City Gun Club, or working through a ground squirrel problem on a Wilson County farm, the CZ-USA 457 Varmint in .22 Long Rifle offers a dependable platform. This bolt-action rifle, with its heavy 20.5-inch barrel and blued finish, is built for shooters who value repeatable performance and solid craftsmanship, not flashy gimmicks.

What This Rifle Is and Who It Is For

The CZ-USA 457 Varmint is a bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle, designed with a heavy barrel profile and a stock that emphasizes stability. It is a tool for the shooter who expects precision from a rimfire platform without stepping up to a centerfire price tag. This rifle is suited for target shooters who want a dedicated paper-punching or steel-ringing gun at ranges out to 100 yards and beyond. It also serves the small game hunter who needs a quiet, economical option for squirrel, rabbit, or varmint control. While it is not a home defense firearm—its length and manual action make it impractical for that role—it is an excellent choice for plinking, training new shooters on bolt-action fundamentals, or participating in rimfire competitions like NRL22 or ARA. Collectors will appreciate the CZ-USA heritage and the 457 series’ reputation for quality, but this is first and foremost a working rifle.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
• Action: Bolt-action, with a 60-degree bolt lift
• Capacity: 5+1 (detachable box magazine)
• Barrel Length: 20.5 inches, heavy profile (approximately .875″ at the muzzle)
• Barrel Material: Cold hammer-forged steel, blued finish
• Overall Length: Approximately 38.6 inches
• Weight: Approximately 8.2 pounds (unloaded)
• Stock: Turkish walnut or synthetic (depending on variant; this model features a precision-oriented stock with a raised comb and checkered grip panels)
• Sights: None; receiver is grooved for 11mm dovetail scope mounts (scope not included)
• Trigger: Single-set trigger, adjustable for pull weight
• Safety: Two-position sliding tang safety
• Finish: Blued steel with a matte or semi-gloss appearance

Feature Deep-Dive

The heavy barrel on the CZ-457 Varmint is not a cosmetic addition. At 20.5 inches and with a thicker profile, it provides additional mass to absorb heat and dampen barrel harmonics. This translates to more consistent shot placement as the barrel warms up during a string of fire. For a Tennessee shooter who might spend an afternoon running 200 rounds through a single session, this thermal stability reduces the point-of-impact shift that lighter barrels often exhibit. The cold hammer-forging process also ensures a smooth bore with consistent rifling, which contributes to the rifle’s accuracy potential out of the box.

The single-set trigger is a hallmark of CZ-USA rimfire rifles. It operates in two modes: as a standard trigger with a pull weight of around 3 to 4 pounds, or as a set trigger by pushing the trigger blade forward until it clicks, reducing the pull weight to approximately 8 to 12 ounces. This allows the shooter to choose between a safe, predictable break for general use and a hair-trigger for precision work. The adjustment is simple and does not require gunsmithing. For a varmint hunter waiting on a squirrel to pause at 50 yards, the set trigger mode can make the difference between a clean shot and a miss.

The stock design on the 457 Varmint is a departure from traditional sporter stocks. It features a raised comb that aligns the shooter’s eye with the scope axis, which is especially useful when using higher-mounted optics. The fore-end is wider and flatter, providing a stable rest on sandbags or a bipod. Checkering on the pistol grip and fore-end offers a secure hold in humid Tennessee conditions. The stock is bedded at the action and barrel lug, which helps maintain consistent contact points and free-floats the barrel for improved accuracy. This is a stock built for prone or bench shooting, not for carrying through thick brush.

The 60-degree bolt lift is a practical feature for shooters who operate from a seated or prone position. It allows the shooter to cycle the action without bumping the scope or losing cheek weld. The bolt itself is smooth with a short throw, and the extraction and ejection are reliable with standard velocity and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition. The detachable box magazine is a polymer unit that feeds cartridges cleanly and can be loaded without removal from the rifle. The magazine release is located at the front of the trigger guard and is easily accessible but unlikely to be bumped accidentally.

The receiver is grooved for 11mm dovetail rings, which means you can mount a scope directly without needing a rail adapter. However, many shooters choose to add a Picatinny rail (sold separately) for greater flexibility in ring placement. The blued finish is applied evenly and provides adequate corrosion resistance for indoor storage and occasional exposure to rain or humidity. While not a stainless steel option, the blued finish on this rifle is durable and easy to maintain with a light oiling after use. The overall fit and finish are consistent with CZ-USA’s reputation for quality control, with tight wood-to-metal fit and no sharp edges on the action.

Ideal Use Cases

• Target Shooting and Plinking: The heavy barrel and adjustable trigger make this rifle a strong choice for casual range sessions and informal target shooting. It is accurate enough to shoot dime-sized groups at 50 yards with match-grade ammunition.
• Small Game Hunting: For squirrel, rabbit, and varmint control, the .22 LR is a classic choice. The rifle’s weight (8.2 pounds) is manageable for a hunter who sets up in a blind or walks short distances. The set trigger is a clear advantage for head shots on small game.
• Rimfire Competition: The 457 Varmint is a popular platform for NRL22, ARA, and other rimfire precision matches. Its accuracy, trigger, and stock design meet the requirements for base-class competition without modification. Many shooters use it as a stepping stone to more expensive custom rigs.
• Training: The bolt-action design forces the shooter to focus on fundamentals: sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-through. It is an excellent rifle for teaching new shooters or for experienced shooters to refine their technique.

This rifle is not intended for concealed carry or home defense. Its length and manual action make it unsuitable for those roles. It is a purpose-built tool for deliberate, accurate shooting.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: The .22 LR chamber accepts standard velocity, high-velocity, and subsonic ammunition. For best accuracy, match-grade ammunition such as CCI Standard Velocity, SK Standard Plus, or Eley Club is recommended. Avoid using .22 Short or .22 Long, as they are not designed for this chamber.
• Magazines: The rifle uses CZ-USA 457-series 5-round detachable box magazines. 10-round and 25-round aftermarket magazines are also available from manufacturers like CZ and M*CARBO, but ensure they are compatible with the 457 action (not the 455 or 452 series).
• Optics and Mounts: The receiver has 11mm dovetail grooves. You will need 11mm dovetail rings or a Picatinny rail adapter (e.g., Area 419 or DIP Products) to mount a scope. A scope with a 1-inch tube and 40-50mm objective lens is a common pairing.
• Accessories: A bipod (e.g., Harris or Magpul) can be attached to the sling swivel studs on the fore-end. Aftermarket triggers, bolt knobs, and stocks are available from companies like YoDave, Anarchy Outdoors, and MDT.
• Holsters and Slings: No holster is needed for this rifle. A standard 1-inch rifle sling can be attached to the factory swivel studs for carry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you ship this rifle to a Tennessee address?
Yes. We ship to licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders in Tennessee. You must select a receiving FFL dealer during checkout. We do not ship to residential addresses. All Tennessee state and local laws apply, including any waiting periods or background check requirements.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer. You must provide their name, address, and license number. We will ship the rifle to that dealer via a common carrier (UPS or FedEx). You will then go to the dealer, complete the ATF Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from our purchase price.

3. What ammunition can I use with this rifle?
This rifle is chambered for .22 Long Rifle (LR) only. Do not use .22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 Magnum. Standard velocity, high-velocity, and subsonic ammunition are all safe to use. For best accuracy, we recommend using match-grade or high-quality target ammunition. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.

4. What is the warranty on this CZ-USA rifle?
CZ-USA offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This does not cover normal wear and tear, misuse, or modifications. For warranty claims, you must contact CZ-USA directly. We are an authorized dealer and can assist with any initial issues, but the warranty is handled by the manufacturer.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final. We inspect every rifle before shipment. If your rifle arrives damaged or has a functional defect, you must contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with you and CZ-USA to arrange a repair or replacement. We do not accept returns for buyer’s remorse, cosmetic preferences, or ammunition-related issues. Please ensure this rifle meets your needs before ordering.

This CZ-USA 457 Varmint is a solid, accurate rimfire rifle ready for Tennessee ranges, fields, and competitions. We ship to licensed FFL dealers